Director for Latino Ministries

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Chicago, IL

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role provides advice, counsel, and services to the ELCA in assessing and responding to the needs and opportunities of Latino ministries; oversees implementation of the Latino Ministry Strategy across churchwide units and synods; develops Latino-specific policies, programs, projects, and resources in collaboration with churchwide units, synods, congregations, and ELCA institutions; cultivates durable relationships with Latino rostered ministers, lay leaders, congregations, and community partners; and works in close partnership with the Asociación Luterana de Ministerios Latinos (AML). This is a full time, regular, exempt, Chicago-based hybrid role. The person in this role is required to be in the office a minimum of 2 days each week and more as needed. The eligibility of a candidate for positions may depend on the residency of the candidate, and the budget for the role, including salary or pay, insurance coverage, and/or tax burden. Candidates for this position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Requirements

7+ years of experience leading ministry, non-profit, program management experience, experience in strategic planning, program planning and implementation as well as work with and among Latino communities. Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree or equivalent, M. Div./MTh preferred; extensive coursework, knowledge and ability to articulate understandings of mission, particularly accompaniment as a lens and methodology for Latino ministries. Demonstrated experience in community organizing, leadership development, or congregation-based organizing. Lived experience as part of the Latino community. ELCA rostered minister or lay leader preferred.
Knowledge and sensitivity for multicultural and Latino issues, concerns, and needs.
Collaborative work style within and across teams and skill in collaborative decision making; facility in building and maintaining strong relationships with Latino communities, ecumenical colleagues, ELCA synods and congregations, and inter-faith relationships; demonstrated and well-developed competencies in intercultural ministry.
Knowledge and commitment to the global mission of the ELCA and an appreciation for the church in all its expressions; in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the values, customs, and decision-making processes in Latino communities; articulate in expressing the strategic intent and commitments of this church.
Demonstrated skills in administration, strategic planning, program implementation, project management and evaluation, budgeting; able to meet the unit’s tight work deadlines while maintaining demanding travel schedules; able to maintain high volume of e-communication in a timely manner.
Ability to perform liaison functions between the Latino community and the churchwide organization and synods.
Effective verbal, written, and listening skills.
Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism.
Minimum Technical Competency: Computer knowledge that enables you to operate a Windows Computer and follow basic troubleshooting instructions. Software skills to efficiently use computer programs and applications. Ability to leverage computer knowledge and software skills to understand new software, follow process, and identify opportunities for improvement. Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Master's degree or equivalent, M. Div./MTh preferred
ELCA rostered minister or lay leader preferred.
Valid driver’s license preferred.
Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides advice, counsel, and service to churchwide units, synods, and congregations in matters concerning Latino ministries.
Oversees implementation of the ELCA Latino Ministry Strategy across churchwide units and synods, and within the first year of hire, leads a collaborative revision of the Strategy with the Asociación de Ministerios Latinos (AML) to reflect current demographic growth and emerging needs.
Oversees along with other MDCC staff the implementation of the unit’s Strategic Ministry Plan.
Develops and delivers support programs for Latino rostered ministers and lay leaders serving in congregations, synods, institutions, and churchwide units, and advocates on their behalf.
In collaboration with other ELCA units and the Office of the Secretary, maintains an updated directory of ELCA Latino rostered persons, lay leaders, congregations, ministries, programs, and resources.
In collaboration with the AML identify subjects and issues to be addressed in the Latino community.
Develops an annual plan of activities in support of the Latino community in consultation with the AML Executive Council, with clear goals, measures, and reporting.
Serve as an advisor to various colleagues including Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEMs) and the New Ministry Development and Evangelism teams concerning the creation and support of African Descent and African Nationals ministries in the ELCA, including consultation for grant applications and ministry reviews.
Other duties as assigned.